A merry Curated Christmas

Getting into the holiday spirit begins months before the big day at this Auckland home

- Debbie Harrison Photography Babiche Martens

Christmas truly comes early at Abbey and John Lang's Auckland villa. In September, the home is transformed into a twinkling wonderland, decked out in baubles, ribbons and garlands to serve as a walk-through showcase for their business, Curated Botanics (curatedbotanics.com). Sparkling lights adorn the front veranda, glittering orbs greet visitors in the front hallway and festive garlands drape along pretty much any available surface area – the bannisters, bookshelves, mantelpieces and ceiling arches. Wreaths hang on mirrors, doors, windows and walls.

In the open-plan living area, a showstopper hangs above the fireplace: a lush arrangement of faux ranunculi, wild strawberries and Christmassy foliage - expertly wrangled by Abbey's sister and Curated Botanics' head floral creative, Heather.

"She was a florist for over 30 years and has a fine arts degree specialising in floral sculpture, so she always creates beautiful displays," Abbey says. "We go all out with decorating for our showcase event - it takes a full team and weeks to do. We turn our home into an absolute Christmas wonderland."

ANY RENOVATION DISASTERS?

When the builders built the bathroom floor, it was the one day I didn't go to site and they didn’t realise the tile was 20mm thick, so there is a small incline into the bathroom.

WHAT AREAS OF YOUR RENOVATION DID YOU SPLURGE ON?

Timber flooring, timber joinery and the marble bench - for me, these were non-negotiables for the integrity/quality of the house.